Zechariah 12: Group Study Handout

Overview

Yahweh declares concerning Israel that he will make Jerusalem a 'cup of reeling' for the surrounding peoples (vv. 1-2). Jerusalem will become a burdensome stone for all nations that oppose it (vv. 3-4). The chieftains of Judah will find strength in Yahweh and will be empowered in battle (vv. 5-6). Yahweh will defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem and make them strong, as David was strong (vv. 7-8). God will seek to destroy the nations that come against Jerusalem and will pour out a spirit of grace on the people (vv. 9-10). They will mourn for the one whom they have pierced, grieving deeply like families mourning a lost son (vv. 11-14). Each family will grieve separately, showing deep sorrow for their loss.

Key verse

“I will pour on David’s house, and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplication; and they will look to me whom they have pierced; and they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for his only son, and will grieve bitterly for him, as one grieves for his firstborn.”

Zechariah 12:10 (WEB)

Outline

1. Zechariah 12:1–2 The Lord's Declaration
2. Zechariah 12:3–4 Jerusalem's Burdensome Role
3. Zechariah 12:5–6 Judah's Strength and Power
4. Zechariah 12:7–8 Divine Defense of Jerusalem
5. Zechariah 12:9–10 Seeking Repentance and Mourning
6. Zechariah 12:11–14 Great Mourning in Jerusalem

Discussion questions

1. In v2, what does Yahweh say He will make Jerusalem to the surrounding peoples?
2. What image is used in v6 to describe the chieftains of Judah?
3. In v10, why is the act of looking upon the one they have pierced significant?
4. What does the mourning in v11 compare to, and what might it suggest about the nature of grief?
5. When have you felt like a 'burdensome stone' to others, as described in v3?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Zechariah 12: Isaiah 44, Jeremiah 29, Revelation 1.

Before next time: read Zechariah 13.